Murky red light district that thrives under the nose of authorities
24 Sept 2016 5:20 AM IST
“How can we take action against a girl who is going into her room with a man? We can take action only when there is a complaint. How can we prove they are going to have sex before they actually do? What action can be taken against a man who is planning to have sex with a woman,” said a woman officer posted at Kamla Market police station.
She further added that as far as ‘sex trade’ is concerned this is happening in several parts of the city under the garb of massage parlours, spa centers, escort services and friendship clubs. “Sex trade is also prevalent in areas like Rohini, Greater Kailash etc.
How can police take action against a girl without complaint,” she explained, adding whenever we receive a complaint of women trafficking or minors being forced into prostitution we conduct raids and rescue them.
“As per law, it’s not a crime for a woman to solicit a man for sex. It is a crime if a woman hires another girl and solicits men for her. In such a case provisions of the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act 1956 are applicable,” said Rishi Kant of Shakti Vahini, an NGO working at G B Road.
There are around 4,000 inmates housed in 40-50 buildings (kothas) on G B Road and many of them are HIV positive.
Interestingly, Delhi government through NGOs has been providing condoms to these sex workers under its AIDS prevention programme. “As police conduct raids they shoo away customers. Earlier, police used to slap ITPA against girls but due to our sustained campaign section 8 of the act is abolished and they are now treated as victims,” added Rishikant.
He further added that in the case of minor victims POSCO Act is also enforced but generally, traffickers are booked under section 370 of IPC.
“As far as ownership of the buildings are concerned there are no records with government agencies. The area was constructed around 1947 and tawaifs (dancers) were shifted from Chandni Chowk to GB Road as it was on the outskirts of the walled city. In those days some licenses were given for Mujra (dancing accompanied by singing) but they were never renewed.
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